Some Jets Employees To Take Two-Week Unpaid Furloughs In June

The Jets Thursday said that 60 employees "on the team's business side would be furloughed without pay for two weeks during a monthlong period starting in mid-June," according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. Jets Exec VP/Business Operations Matthew Higgins, who will take the furlough, said, "Like every business, we're facing challenges. But relatively speaking, we're not in a state of crisis. We're managing for the future." Higgins said that "'a lot of weight' was given to layoffs over the last few months, but as the team reviewed expenses, it chose furloughs." Sandomir notes the furloughs will be "in sales, marketing, public relations, finance, community relations, stadium and ticket operations, and general administration." Giants President & CEO John Mara said that the Giants are "not planning a similar action" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/6). Higgins said that Jets Owner Woody Johnson "chose the off-season furlough rather than cut jobs." Higgins added that he "did not expect any backlash from employees or the public." Higgins: "The object of the football team is to win on the field. And you know what it takes, and I think everyone understands that. We're all here to win" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/6).